It’s officially autumn in the Quad Cities. The season brings the holidays and other festive, fun events. It also comes with some hazards, especially when driving. As the leaves change color and the weather cools down, it’s important to adjust your driving habits to stay safe on the road. In this blog, the Quad Cities personal injury attorneys at Winstein, Kavensky & Cunningham offer some autumn driving safety tips to help you stay safe this season.
Quad Cities Autumn Driving Safety Tips
Be aware of falling leaves and debris.
One of the most critical autumn driving safety tips is to watch out for leaves and debris when driving. Fallen leaves and wet roads are a dangerous combination. Many drivers overlook this fact and end up crashing on slippery roads. Be extra cautious when driving over leaves and slow down if necessary.
Watch out for fog.
Fog can develop quickly, especially in areas around water. Foggy conditions reduce visibility significantly. If you encounter fog, slow down, turn on your low beams, and use your fog lights if you have them. Additionally, be extra cautious when approaching intersections or making turns.
Check your tires
Fall in the Quad Cities brings colder temperatures. When the thermostat drops, so does your tire pressure. You must check your tires regularly and ensure they are properly inflated. You should also inspect your tires for tread wear. If your tires are worn down, they will be less effective at gripping the road, especially in slippery conditions.
Inspect the rest of your vehicle.
Make sure to get a tune-up on the rest of your vehicle, along with your tires. Ensure that your wipers, lights, and brakes are functioning correctly. Make sure that you have enough antifreeze and brake fluid. Double-checking your car before the colder temperature will ensure it is running properly and can handle upcoming winter weather conditions. Inspecting your vehicle is an essential and easy way to prevent Quad Cities fall accidents.
Watch out for deer.
The Quad Cities are home to many deer, which are more active in the fall. Because deer are more active in the autumn months, they are more likely to cross roads. Be especially careful when driving at night, and be prepared to stop suddenly if you see a deer. Swerving to hit a deer can be deadly, so it’s important to be mindful of deer crossing in certain areas.
Use caution on bridges and overpasses.
Colder temperatures during the colder months of autumn can cause the surfaces of bridges and overpasses to freeze. This makes bridges slippery and dangerous for both drivers and pedestrians. Additionally, these areas are often exposed to more sunlight and wind than surrounding areas, causing them to cool more quickly and experience earlier frost formation.
Be extra careful when driving at night.
Fall days are much shorter due to the end of daylight saving time. This means you’re likelier to drive in the dark, increasing the risk of Quad Cities autumn car wrecks. Ensure your headlights are on and use your low beams when driving in traffic. Be extra careful when driving around pedestrians and bicycles, who may be harder to see in the dark.
Be careful when driving through school zones.
With school in session and numerous extracurricular activities, the fall months are a busy time for families in the Quad Cities. This increases traffic and increases the likelihood of Quad Cities autumn accidents. If you’re near a school zone, drive carefully. Make sure to avoid speeding and distracted driving.
Have a car emergency kit.
Having a car emergency kit is vital in every season. However, in the fall and winter months, a car emergency kit is one of the most crucial autumn driving safety tips for drivers in the Quad Cities. An emergency kit should include a first aid kit, flashlight, batteries, blanket, snacks, and water. A car emergency kit might save your life if you end up stranded on the road in bad weather.
Contact a Quad Cities Personal Injury Lawyer
The Winstein, Kavensky & Cunningham team hopes everyone has a safe and fun autumn, enjoying everything the Quad Cities offer. You can do just that by following the autumn driving safety tips mentioned above. However, car crashes can happen no matter what. If you or a loved one have been injured in a fall accident caused by the negligent or reckless actions of another, one of our Quad Cities injury attorneys will fight for you and see you receive a fair settlement.
Our caring and compassionate lawyers will support you throughout your journey of seeking compensation for your injuries, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more.
To get started on your claim, schedule your free case consultation. Reach us 24/7 by phone at (309) 794-1515, via LiveChat, or by filling out our contact form.